April 7, 2016

How To: Decoupage Flower Pots

New to the medium of decoupage, I ventured out and got my first bottle of Mod Podge to start exploring the art -- now I am officially addicted and want to decoupage EVERYTHING! The warm sunny weather in San Diego this past weekend inspired me to plant some new plants and give the pots I put them in a bit of flair. I decided to decoupage some Terracotta plant holders with materials I had around the house. It was very easy and very fun -- read on to learn how to make your own decoupage flower pots!

Materials you will need:

Terracotta pots

Mod Podge - You can make your own by taking 3 parts white glue to one part water. Add 2 tablespoons of varnish for shine. Mod Podge isn't expensive, and it comes in a wide range of styles from matte to glitter. There is also an "outdoor" Mod Podge, so if you are going to put your pots outside, you may want to use that variety.

Whatever materials you want to decoupage onto your flowerpot. I used a napkin with a print I liked, the packets that the flower seeds came in, and some pretty paper. You can also use postcards, magazines, newspaper, etc.

Scissors

Paints

A "sponge" type brush

1) First, cut your paper, or whatever material you are using, into small squares. I did this as I went along because you will need to fill in with odd shapes and sizes. Put some Mod Podge or glue mixture on each piece and then affix it to your flowerpot.

2) Continue cutting and gluing your paper on the pot until it is covered. If you are using a napkin, take care because it will tear easily.

3) Once you have covered the surface, take your sponge brush and cover the entire pot with Mod Podge or glue mixture. One coat is fine, but the bottle says you can do several coats if you desire. Just allow 15-20 minutes in between coats.

4) Once the flower pot is dry, you can paint the rim of the flowerpot in a matching color, or leave it as is. Below, you can see the flower pot that I decoupaged using a napkin with a fun print (on the right).

The decoupage possibilities are endless! So next time you have some magazines lying around, postcards, or almost pretty material, try your hand at these decoupage flower pots, which would also make great teacher gifts with a lovely plant!

Below, you can see the flower pot I decoupaged with the packets that the flower seeds came in!

I recently did this for a teacher using student photos . I did about 3 coats of modge podge It dried clear and looked fabulous, the next day I sprayed it with a clear lacquer sealant. The next day I planted a plant in it. Later that evening I watered it and the next day all the modge podge strokes reappeared! It is now all cloudy and streaky! Do you have any idea what went wrong? WS it the lacquer? Did the watering absorb thorough the clay and re activate the modge podge? I have enough photos to make another one but I need to figure out what I did wrong. Thanks!

HI Margaret- sorry for your troubles! Crafter Lisa said "My pots have a separate little pot inside -- I wouldn't plant directly in pot because with consistent watering it may cause problems. The pots are just for decor." Perhaps the water did re-activate the modge podge somehow...